Carnaval on the Mile

The season for street festivals peaks the first weekend in March when Miracle Mile – the heart of Coral Gables – turns its boulevard of shops and entertainment into a family-friendly, cultural village, hosting the 25th anniversary of Carnaval on the Mile.

An annual celebration of the Latin and Caribbean sights, sounds and flavors found throughout Greater Miami & Miami Beach, the two-day event on March 2 and 3 is part of the destination’s eight-week-long Carnaval Miami series of events. This event, which starts at 10 a.m. on both days, is free and open to the public; tickets are not required.

What to Expect: A Half-Mile Playground for the Senses

Mark your calendars to wander four blocks of art, music, culinary delights and activities for all ages, discovering new finds or encountering and interacting with regular exhibitors. Art, food and drinks will be available for purchase.

The centerpiece of the festival is the more than 200 exhibiting artists showcasing their talents at Carnaval on the Mile’s Artist Village. From paintings and photography to sculptures, jewelry and crafts, explore visually captivating, best-in-class artwork for purchase that is diverse both culturally and in technique. Playing in the background, or foreground for music lovers, will be up to three stages featuring a spectrum of harmonic genres. Two stages – on Douglas Road (Southwest 37th Avenue) and Le Jeune Road (Southwest 42nd Avenue) – will border the fest. Vibe or dance to the sounds of jazz, funk, rock, Latin jazz and blues. Past performers have included Arturo Sandoval, Nestor Torres, Lucrecia, Raúl Di Blasio, Machaka Band, Sol and The Tribu, and Suenalo.

For festivalgoers with children, the Kidz Nook is an activity hub that will immerse youngsters in arts and culture. Talent from Academia’s charter schools will perform and keep kids entertained, while Kiddos Magazine will present a lineup of fun activities.

As you venture from activity to activity, take an interval to refuel, enjoying a melting pot of Miami’s flavor and an abundance of global fare. Food and beverage vendors lining Miracle Mile will offer a plethora of festival foods, local eats and international cuisine. For a longer break, dine at one of Coral Gables’ many delicious restaurants.

Getting There and Around

One of the larger festivals in Greater Miami & Miami Beach, Carnaval Miami attracts more than 150,000 attendees, so plan ahead. Event organizers recommend taking advantage of citywide public transit and ride-sharing options. Miami-Dade Transit offers Metrobus service to and from Coral Gables. Eventgoers can also take the Metrorail, stopping at the Douglas Road station and transferring to the Coral Gables Trolley at the station. Free on Saturdays, the trolley runs up and down Ponce de Leon Boulevard from the Douglas Road station to Miracle Mile. Track the trolley’s location on the ETA Spot app for iPhone and Android. Ride-share customers should be dropped off a block away from the festival, as roads near the event will be closed.

If you’re driving, public parking garages, parking lots and street parking are available north, south and west of the festival area. To pay for parking, use the PayByPhone app. Parking signs are displayed on posts near parking locations. You can pay on iPhone or Android.

Festival Tips

Since this event takes place outdoors, dressing in comfortable clothing and footwear is recommended. And do not forget to apply sunscreen before and during Carnaval Miami. Attendees often bring umbrellas for extra shade on sunny days.

Another essential item to have on hand is cash for vendors who do not accept credit cards. Several banks and ATMs are available on the main street.

Part of a Cultural Legacy

Carnaval on the Mile is part of a much larger celebration of Hispanic culture, Carnaval Miami. From February 10 to April 6, 2024, this multi-event festival includes the annual Miss Carnaval Miami pageant (where young women compete for the revered title of Miss Carnaval) as well as golf, soccer and domino tournaments. Attendees can also experience the popular Calle Ocho Music Festival, which fills 15 blocks of Little Havana with multiple areas hosting live Latin and hip-hop music, folk dance performances and international food.

By Cristina S. | December 12, 2023